Understanding the Value of Farmers’ Markets

Summary

The conducting of a workshop to develop / enhance the strategy for the Australian Farmers’ Markets Association, providing a robust basis for progressing future activities, including R&D. RIRDC support for this will be for the venue, assistance with travel costs and a facilitator, up to a total of $5,000. Progressing a project to define the benefits and risks of farmers’ markets (Terms of Reference to be developed). RIRDC will support the research costs up to $25,000. The Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) and the Australian Farmers’ Markets Association (AFMA) is seeking services from researchers to take stock of Australia’s farmers’ markets to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and risks for different stakeholder groups involved in their operations. The project should provide a useful foundation for further shaping and developing farmers’ markets in Australia and should guide future research, development and extension that could be undertaken in this area. The project will involve reviewing existing information and research as well as undertaking surveys of key stakeholder participants.

Program

National Rural Issues

Research Organisation

Garland Outcomes Pty Ltd

Objective Summary

A facilitated meeting to help develop a more robust strategy on which to build the farmers’ markets organisation to ensure the foundation strategy is solid before pursuing specific research priorities. An additional component to develop the strategy is also funded under this project. This work is to: 1. Better understand the current positioning of farmers’ markets in Australia and future growth prospects and requirements. 2. Identify the current and potential role farmers’ markets offer key stakeholders such as consumers, farmers, food value adders and local communities. 3. Based on the current and potential role farmers’ markets offer different stakeholders, draw out the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and risks associated with this roles and what would be required for sustainable growth of farmers’ markets in Australia. 4. Identify gaps in knowledge and future research and development requirements that could play a useful role in shaping sustainable growth of farmers’ markets in Australia.